What Should You Be Using In Your Skin Care Routine?

Take my quiz and get personalized recommendations from a licensed esthetician!

Chances are, you’ve noticed the plethora of “420-inspired” businesses that have been sprouting up ever since more and more states (including my home state of California) have been legalizing the “devil’s lettuce.”

This has also lead to an explosion in the popularity of its relatives, like CBD.

I’m going to let you in on a little secret: your skin will love it!

You don’t have to smoke it, ingest it, or get “high” at all for your skin to appreciate the benefits of CBD, otherwise known as “full spectrum hemp” or “industrial hemp.”

Additionally, you don’t have to live in California or a marijuana-friendly state to appreciate the beauty benefits of this byproduct!

Come along and learn more about its history, how it’s used, its benefits, and most importantly: what it can do for your skin!

When you’re finished with this article, you’ll wish you gave it a second glance sooner!

1. What Does CBD Stand For?

CBD stands for “cannabidiol,” one of the 113 cannabinoids in the hemp plant.

Cannabinoids are the naturally-occurring compounds that provide benefits to its users.

2. What Is CBD?

CBD is found in the flowers of the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa, where it is extracted.

3. What’s the Difference Between CBD from Hemp and CBD from Marijuana?

Here’s where things can get a bit confusing: Both hemp and marijuana two different varieties of Cannabis sativa.

As mentioned in the graphic, the difference between industrial hemp and marijuana is the THC content.

CBD taken from hemp and marijuana is the same compound.

4. Will CBD Get You High?

Because CBD is not the same thing as marijuana and is not psychoactive, you don’t have to worry about “getting high” or altering your state of mind at all.

The “illegal” part of the Cannabis sativa plant is the THC, which is the stuff that will get you high.

The buds and flowers of the female plant used to make marijuana are high in THC (it’s bred this way on purpose).

This part of the plant is not used in skincare.

However, CBD still can contain a small amount of THC.

If the plant contains less than 0.3% of THC, it’s considered hemp according to the Agricultural Act of 2014.

If it contains more than 0.3% THC, it’s considered cannabis, therefore making it illegal in states that haven’t legalized marijuana.

Unfortunately, there are three government agencies who aren’t on the same page when it comes to where they draw the line on cannabis-derived products: the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration), the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), and the DOA (Department of Agriculture).

5. What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is the concentrated liquid extract from Cannabis sativa that cannot get you high.

I’ll discuss the different extraction methods later in this post!

The extract is added to a carrier oil and voila – you have CBD oil.

6.Are CBD and Hemp Oil the Same?

CBD and hemp oil are both derived from Cannabis sativa, the hemp plant.

Both are safe and tout health benefits.

Hemp oil, also called hemp seed oil, is cold-pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant, much like olive, almond, or coconut oil.

CBD is found in the flowers of the hemp plant.

7. What Is Full Spectrum Hemp Oil?

Full spectrum hemp oil means the pure oil extracted from the hemp plant contains all of the same cannabinoids, compounds, minerals, fiber, flavonoids, and terpenes that were originally in the plant.

12. What Does Full Spectrum Hemp Extract Mean?

13. Are CBD Products Legal In All States?

Up until the late 1960s, the US government recognized that hemp and marijuana were two different derivatives of the Cannabis plant (one could get you high, and one could not).

Unfortunately, after the Controlled Substances Act was passed in 1970, the US government no longer recognized the distinction between the two.

Therefore, growing hemp actually became illegal after the 1970s, and is only now beginning to once again become legal in states such as Colorado that are changing their laws.

While CBD is legal to purchase throughout the U.S., farmers still need a special permit from the DEA to grow hemp themselves.

So regardless of where you live, you can go crazy on the CBD-infused bath bombs and moisturizers!

Without getting into each agencies’ exact position on full spectrum hemp, I’ll just sum it up by saying that the agencies currently “agree to disagree” and have accepted that products are on the market in all 50 states.

However, the FDA did just approve Epidiolex, a medication made with full spectrum hemp to treat seizures this past July, so it seems like they may be softening their position on the Cannabis-derived substance.

If the DEA was to change its position to be against CBD and start enforcing it, they would go after manufacturers and distributors, not innocent skincare-loving beauties like you and I — so don’t you worry!

And if you’re worried about transporting these beauty products during your travels, don’t be!

14. How Is Our Oil Made?

This moisturizing formula hydrates skin to improve dryness and dullness while reducing the appearance of pore size, redness, fine lines, and dark spots.

No flaking, redness, or peeling like traditional retinol products, but with all the benefits!

15. Where Did Hemp Come from?

While full spectrum hemp is what we’re going to want to use on our skin, hemp itself is used in a ton of ways — from hemp plastic to hemp protein powder to hemp fuel.

But, who invented it? And who makes it?

Carbon tests have suggested that the use of wild hemp dates as far back as 8000 B.C., but we know for sure that hemp was cultivated in Great Britain back in 800 AD.

The notorious Henry VIII actually urged farmers to plant tons of hemp so that the British Naval Fleet could use hemp fiber and oil to build their battleships, not to mention the hemp paper that was used for maps.

In 17th century America, farmers in certain states were required by law to grow hemp, and could be sent to jail if they didn’t do so!

In colonial America, hemp was sometimes used as currency that settlers could pay their taxes with!

Industrial hemp is traditionally known as a “cash crop,” and grows quickly in a variety of soil and weather conditions.

It’s typically ready to harvest in four months and is meant to be grown on a large scale for low costs.

Fun fact: Per acre, it produces four times as much paper as trees!

While hemp was once harvested by hand, by 1920 all hemp production was handled by machinery due to a breakthrough in machinery that could harvest 1000 pounds of hemp fiber per hour.

China is currently the lead producer of hemp, but Australia and Canada are starting to catch up!

16. Why Has CBD Suddenly Become So Popular?

I know what you’re thinking: If hemp has been used for thousands of years, why am I just hearing about CBD now? And why is it suddenly everywhere?

The reason that CBD-infused products — from coffee to mascara to bath bombs — are suddenly everywhere is that its legality is a fuzzy issue, as is the hemp plant itself.

Long story short (well, not really that short now, was it?), the reason we haven’t heard about its benefits previously is that scientists, dermatologists, and the like didn’t bother researching the potential of a plant that wasn’t legal to use.

Now that more states have been legalizing marijuana (whether medically or recreationally), people have started seeing everything that the Cannabis sativa plant can do.

I’m definitely a believer in its benefits, which is why I chose to release a full line of full spectrum hemp skincare products.

So, what can CBD do for you?

Can it help you sleep? Can it help with anxiety? And most importantly, how can it (sometimes called the “fountain of youth”) make your skin look amazing?

Keep on reading!

17. What Is CBD Oil Good For?

It’s not just for your cosmetic bag (although I have a feeling it’ll find a home there real fast).

At this point, you may be wondering exactly how it helps with pain.

Without getting too science-y on you, one of the reasons CBD oil has so many beneficial effects on our body is due to the human body’s endocannabinoid system.

Essentially, our endocannabinoid system is located within our central nervous system and peripheral nervous system and helps to maintain homeostasis within our body (AKA keeping our body in equilibrium).

Naturally, something derived from the Cannabis plant effects something called the endocannabinoid system since their names are so similar.

Some people liken CBD’s effects on our bodies to the effects we feel from something like acupuncture, both have homeostatic effects that work to keep our body feeling balanced.

Human bodies aren’t the only ones who can benefit from it.

If you’re a fellow animal lover, your favorite furry friend may be interested in CBD oil as well!

While there is still lots of research to be done, preliminary studies have shown that it can be a great tool for the veterinary industry — helping your pooches to eradicate their pain.

18. Does Full Spectrum Hemp Actually Work for Skin?

With all these scientific explanations, medical studies, and legal jargon, you may be wondering what full spectrum hemp extract can actually do for your skin.

To that, I say great question! And I’m so excited to answer it for you!

Let’s start with one of the most widely-beneficial perks: it’s super moisturizing!

Some of the ladies I know that live in dryer climates (think California, Colorado, and Nevada) swear by CBD skin salves to keep their hands and lips from becoming chapped and cracked.

Because full spectrum hemp oil is all-natural, it won’t clog your pores and result in any acne or blemishes.

In addition to its moisturizing properties, it’s also anti-inflammatory and has analgesic properties, which means not only can it help your skin heal, it’ll also combat any pain or discomfort you may currently be feeling.

Similarly, this analgesic effect is why you may have seen it in rubs made for sore muscles or achy joints.

19. What Does CBD Oil Do?

Maybe you tried a lip balm and suddenly want to get your hands on all things CBD, or maybe you’ve already got your skincare routine down pat and want to explore other ways to incorporate hemp into your home.

Whatever your reasoning, never fear, there are lots of fun ways to sprinkle it on your life!

Take It In a Capsule

If you’re not keen on dabbing a drop of oil on your tongue, don’t you worry!

You can get CBD oil in capsule form from tons of places, including Amazon!

Keep in mind that taking the oil under your tongue has been proven to be the best absorbed, but I totally understand that method can be inconvenient when you’re on the go.

Of course, as you should with any supplement, consult your doctor first before adding CBD oil to your daily routine.

Doctors also recommend taking your supplements with something fatty or oily for optimal absorption (think a handful of nuts or a bowl of yogurt).

Stock It In Your Pantry

You may have heard of pot brownies, and while cooking with CBD oil won’t leave your guests with any unwanted surprises, it can provide a host of benefits and added deliciousness to your favorite recipes.

Some food bloggers are even touting it as the new coconut oil!

The benefits involved in cooking with CBD oil — such as helping to reduce cholesterol plus the host of benefits mentioned previously — might explain why.

The flavor of CBD oil is similar to olive oil in that it has a flavor (it’s a bit nutty and earthy), but won’t overpower the other ingredients.

And of course, as with everything else you purchase on the Internet, be sure to check reviews!

While everybody is different and everyone has their own preferences, usually the bad seeds will be sorted by someone else before you do!

Hopefully, more and more states begin legalizing the production of hemp, and then these products will be more formally regulated and less work for the ladies likes us who are simply looking to keep ourselves (and our skin) healthy and beautiful.

21. Is CBD Safe?

There aren’t many known side effects to using CBD, but some medical-users (who take it orally and regularly) have reported dry mouth, low blood pressure, lightheadedness, changes in appetite, and drowsiness.

Like with any supplement or new product, you should speak with your doctor first, especially because it’s possible for the oil to affect your body’s ability to metabolize certain medications.

For this reason, you should not take CBD orally if you are currently taking blood thinners.

There hasn’t been enough research done on the effects in pregnant or breastfeeding women, so if you have a newborn baby (or hope to soon), you should refrain from using it.

Additionally, there hasn’t been enough research to show if it is safe for use in children at this point, so better to stay on the safe side!

Keep in mind that these side effects and studies have been done on orally ingested CBD oil, not on topical application.

It’s very unlikely that you will experience any negative side effects from using a nice full spectrum hemp lip balm or lotion, but it’s good to know in case you notice something is off!

Just like any beauty product you’d use, there’s a very small chance you’ll have any negative side effects unless you are allergic or have purchased a knock-off product that’s filled with artificial ingredients.

You might be wondering – can CBD oil cause itching?

Only if you’re allergic!

Otherwise, it has actually been shown to be a great treatment for itchiness and pain (think psoriasis).

If you’ve never had any contact with full spectrum hemp extract before, I would recommend testing yourself as you would with any new beauty product — by rubbing a small amount on a patch of your skin and waiting for 24 hours to see results — before going to town on it!

Anti-inflammatory properties calm the appearance of redness and sensitivity.

If you’re looking for a gentle, soap-free, and natural option, this is it!

Beauties, please keep in mind that I am by no means a CBD/full spectrum hemp/hemp/marijuana expert.

I’m just passionate about this fabulous ingredient and have done my own research and consulted experts.

As I always say, I want you to make the best choices for your skin.

I highly recommend looking at other sources and doing your own research, too.

There you have it, lovelies! I hope I’ve debunked for you some of the common misconceptions about CBD and that you are going to try incorporating it into your very own skincare routine! Have more questions about it? Or stories about your own experience with it? I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below!

2 thoughts on “The Top 21 Questions About Full Spectrum Hemp, Answered”

joanna

Great summary! this answered so many questions i have had – even tho i’m in socal, the fact that this hemp extract and the poor plant is in so much grey area thanks to the governments heavy handedness and frankly, ignorance on the subject – i have had a hard time filtering through all the info out there. alcohol tobacco and firearms are far more dangerous and unhealthy, and they are regulated for that reason. i think they’re dragging their feet on it until they can figure out how they can benefit from sales taxes on it… until then we have to read the scientific studies and really be vigilant reading labels – and reading articles like this one 🙂

Alana

Hi, Joanna! Thanks so much for reading the article! I definitely see where you’re coming from and agree with you. 🙂 I really do love the ingredient and hope that it will be allowed to live up to its full potential.